Cervical smears in over 50s important

About 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK every year, making it the second most common cancer in women under 35. Although abnormal smears are less likely in those over 50, it is still important that this age group is not ignored. There is a belief that because of the lowered risk in older women, screening may not be a good thing and it may cause harm.

However, the British Journal of Cancer has reported that the results of a study of smear tests in two million wonen aged 20 to 64 years from 1988 to 2003 concluded that screening pick ups serious abnormalities. The results showed that two-thirds of abnormal smears were spotted in women who, in their 40s, had had two negative results. This proves that some women can develop abnormalities in later life.

At the moment, following the high profile death of Jade Goody, women aged 25 to 49 can be screened every three years, and 50 to 64 every five years in England.

Dr Anne Szarewski, clinical consultant for Cancer Research UK, said that in people over the age of 45, sexually transmitted infections increasing faster than other age groups. She comments: "This large study adds to the recent evidence that women over 50 should continue to be screened, as they continue to be at risk of developing cervical cancer."

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